Have you ever wanted to play a role in making the internet more private and secure? There is a simple way to do that by sharing your internet bandwidth to the Tor Project. You do not need many resources or expensive equipment. You only need to have a bit of internet speed and a computer, to make browsing the Internet easier to access, without being tracked. How cool is that?
The best part is that most tor relays are run by volunteers, people like you and I. Without enough relays, the Tor network will become slower, and less secure. So when you share your bandwidth, you are helping to make the Internet quicker, and more secure for everyone.
• Entry (Guard) Relay: The first stop on the Tor network.
• Middle Relay: Passes encrypted traffic from one relay to another.
• Exit Relay: The final stop before the data passes onto the internet.
If you are starting out, running part of the middle relay is the best option, because it is easy, and is a safe way to segment traffic.
So if you have the extra bandwidth and a little curiosity, consider running a relay. Your internet can help someone protect their privacy today!
What is Tor, and why do they need your help?
Tor (The Onion Router) is a particular type of network that protects user anonymity online, by routing your internet traffic through multiple computers (or relays) around the world to ensure your location and behavior is hidden.The best part is that most tor relays are run by volunteers, people like you and I. Without enough relays, the Tor network will become slower, and less secure. So when you share your bandwidth, you are helping to make the Internet quicker, and more secure for everyone.
What is a Tor Relay?
A relay is essentially a computer that helps route Tor traffic from one location to another location. When a user will utilize Tor, their data will not flow straight to a website. Instead it will flow through three different relays:• Entry (Guard) Relay: The first stop on the Tor network.
• Middle Relay: Passes encrypted traffic from one relay to another.
• Exit Relay: The final stop before the data passes onto the internet.
If you are starting out, running part of the middle relay is the best option, because it is easy, and is a safe way to segment traffic.
How to setup Tor Relay
Running a relay is easier than it sounds. All that is needed is a stable Internet connection, and a computer (or VPS) that can be online 24/7 and the time to install the program. Here are the steps:- Download the Tor software from the Tor Project website.
- Update the torrc file (a small setup file) with a name for your relay and how much bandwidth you would like to share.
- Open port 9001 on your router or firewall for Tor to connect.
- Monitor your relay with the Tor metrics page or logs.
Conclusion
Donating your bandwidth to Tor may feel small, but it makes a real difference. You are helping keep the internet open, safe, and private for everyone.So if you have the extra bandwidth and a little curiosity, consider running a relay. Your internet can help someone protect their privacy today!